My name is James Dinn, my friends call me Jim and I am asking for your vote as the NDP candidate for St. John’s Centre. Please come out and support me. But more importantly, please come out and vote.
St. John’s Centre is a great place to live. Personally, it’s my favourite part of the city. I grew up here, played street hockey here, climbed trees in the summertime, and went to school here. I get my hair cut at Tom Brennan’s Barber Shop, have my bike tuned up at Canary Cycles, and shop for unique clothing gifts at Benoli Custom Apparel. I chose to raise my family here. Now, I seek to represent the district in the House of Assembly.
This district is my home; it’s your home. Most importantly it’s our home. In fact, over 14,000 people call St. John’s Centre home. It deserves a strong voice in the House of Assembly.
Because St. John’s Centre is more than its boundaries, it’s a great district in which to raise a family. Consider Mundy Pond and Victoria Park, and the green spaces in our district. Think of the recreational facilities and opportunities for people of every age. If your family includes a dog, you have not one, but two dog parks from which to choose.
Our district is home to an eclectic blend of people, businesses and agencies. We live in a mix of middle-class family homes, apartments, and affordable housing. Small neighbourhood business owners share the district with large national franchises and industrial operations like the St. John’s Dockyard. The West End Fire Station, St. Clare’s Mercy Hospital, St. John’s City Hall and the Municipal Depot call this district home as well. Four schools, seven churches, and a variety of not-for-profit agencies serve the residents of this district and the rest of the city.
So, how does a person represent a district as dynamic and diverse as St. John’s Centre
It begins simply by listening.
When I was NLTA President, listening to the voices and concerns of the approximately 6000 teachers I served was critical. Whether they taught in small rural schools or large urban schools, whether they taught primary, elementary, or high school, or whether they were specialists, administrators, or classroom teachers, it was my job to speak for this diverse and dynamic group of professionals.
To be effective as president, to do my job, to speak strongly on behalf of teachers and articulate their concerns, I first had to listen to what they had to say.
That is the experience and commitment I offer the citizens of St. John’s Centre. I will put you at the centre of things. I will listen to what you have to say and speak strongly on your behalf.